In response to the
tragic episodes in New York and Washington, the University's emergency
response group has taken several steps to assist our students, faculty,
and staff. We are setting up a web sitewww.upenn.edu/about/emergency_preparedness.php,
and we will shortly be posting updates on this site. We have activated
our emergency operations center, called in extra police officers and security,
and our Public Safety office is in regular contact with local, state and
federal agencies to stay abreast of new developments.

All day and evening
classes have been canceled. In addition, all non-essential staff may leave
work at any time. We encourage faculty and staff, who are in a position
to assist students, to remain at work to provide support and guidance
to them during this time.

We are setting up
an information and counseling center in Houston Hall, in which we will
provide phone banks, email terminals, and counseling. All members of Penn's
community are welcome to make use of these resources.

Calls from concerned
parents should be directed to the Public Safety Office at (215) 573-3333.
The MELT line (215-898-MELT) will also be updated throughout the day.

We urge all members
of our community to remain calm, and to avoid immediate travel. We believe
that traveling at this time would be more dangerous than helpful.

Penn is an international
community, with friends and family throughout the world. This is a time
for all of us to be supportive and caring of
each other.

The emergency response
group will continue to meet, and we will send periodic updates by email.